"Alarming increase in HIV cases in Tlaxcala highlights the need for immediate action."

In the last decade, Tlaxcala has faced a significant challenge in the fight against HIV, with a total of 1,626 diagnosed cases between 2014 and 2024, according to the Historical HIV Report issued by the Ministry of Health (Ssa). This report, which covers a significant fluctuation in the number of cases, reveals the complexity of the situation faced by both the state and its inhabitants. The year 2014 marked the beginning of this count, with 128 reported cases. However, the situation peaked in 2023, when 219 new cases were registered, an increase that highlights the need for vigilance and education about the disease. Despite this alarming figure, 2024 has shown a downward trend, with 108 diagnoses to date, which could indicate the effectiveness of the health policies implemented in the state. The breakdown of HIV cases reveals that 1,405 of them correspond to men, while 221 are women, thus showing a notable gender disparity in the incidence of the virus. This difference may be related to sociocultural factors and access to health care, which require specific attention from health authorities to reduce the gap and provide equitable treatment. In terms of incidence, Tlaxcala has shown significant variations. The HIV rate per 100,000 inhabitants increased from 12.5 in 2018 to 15.4 in 2023, the highest figure during the analyzed period. However, for 2024, this rate has dropped to 7.5, which may be a symptom of the effectiveness of ongoing prevention and treatment programs. It is imperative that these trends continue to be monitored to ensure that the decrease in incidence is not temporary. A crucial aspect that emerges from the data is the clinical classification of HIV cases in the state. In 2024, there were 37 cases in stage 1, 30 in stage 2, 25 in stage 3, and 16 in stage 4, also known as AIDS. These numbers reflect the importance of early diagnosis, as timely detection can help prevent progression to more advanced stages of the disease, complicating treatment and the quality of life for patients. The national panorama exhibits even more alarming figures. In Mexico, 166,180 HIV cases have been diagnosed during the same period, with 84% of the cases in men. In 2024, the country reported 14,099 new cases. With Tlaxcala representing only one percent of the national burden, it is evident that the region faces a problem that must be addressed with specific strategies that cater to its particularities. It is vital to consider that HIV is not only a public health issue but also carries social stigmas that hinder acceptance and treatment for those living with the virus. Awareness and education are fundamental tools to combat these stigmas and foster an environment where individuals can seek help without fear of discrimination. On the other hand, antiretroviral treatment has proven to be an effective tool in managing HIV, allowing many people to live healthily and reduce the risk of transmission. However, access to these treatments remains a challenge in certain regions, including some areas of Tlaxcala, highlighting the need to improve health infrastructure and training for medical personnel. The fight against HIV in Tlaxcala is a task that requires the collaboration of all sectors of society. From health authorities to non-governmental organizations and the community at large, everyone has a crucial role to play in creating a safer and healthier environment. Prevention, education, and access to treatment are essential to ensuring that the next decade is a period of significant reduction in HIV cases and an improvement in the quality of life for those living with this virus.